Small earthquake hits central Virginia

May 22, 2014
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The State Capitol in Richmond, Va. / Steve Helber, AP

by William Cummings, USA TODAY

by William Cummings, USA TODAY

A small earthquake surprised residents of Virginia's capital Wednesday night, the United States Geological Survey reported.

The 3.2-magnitude quake was centered about 32 miles west of Richmond, Va. and occurred at 9:47 ET, according to the USGS.

No injuries or damage have been reported.

Many people took to Twitter to share their shock at what is a relatively uncommon event in the region. The USGS says that small earthquakes occur in the region every year or two.

The largest earthquake in the Central Virginia Seismic Zone to cause any major damage was the 5.8-magnitude earthquake that shook Washington, D.C. in 2011, the USGS says. The Washington Monument only recently reopened following repairs begun after the monument was damaged in that 2011 quake.